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Find hidden cheap booking dates

Martin said: “Every so often, your school’s term dates may differ from everyone else’s. This could be due to inset days or just because your local council’s chosen different dates. These hidden dates can mean huge savings.

“For example, this year Leicestershire schools break up on Fri 13 July, while most others start on 20 July.

“We found a week’s holiday in a 3* hotel in Ravello in Italy, including flights from Birmingham, for £324pp leaving on Mon 16 July. A week later the same holiday jumps to £608pp.”

Mr Lewis also says that by using inset days - which vary by school - you can nab a bargain long weekend away.

Undercut hotel prices by booking a villa

He said: “Big family groups may need multiple hotel rooms. So instead, look at villas and apartments.

“While villa prices rise in the summer, they don’t always rise by quite as much as a package holiday and negotiation is often possible.

“Here’s how it worked for me: last year we found a three-bedroom villa in Sardinia over the school hols advertised for £880 – I sent one message politely asking if there was any flexibility in the price, and she immediately cut it to £570. This wasn’t even last-minute.”

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